UAE Takes Prominent Role in Arab Information Ministers Council

Post by : Mara Rahim

During a session at the League of Arab States headquarters in Cairo, the UAE was elected to the Executive Office of the Arab Information Ministers Council. This milestone underscores the UAE’s essential role in enhancing media cooperation and establishing collaborative initiatives across the Arab world.

Leading the UAE delegation was Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and UAE Media Council. The meeting was attended by notable figures including Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, along with representatives from member states.

Al Hamed remarked that this election signifies the confidence of Arab nations in the UAE’s media development expertise. He elaborated on the ongoing efforts to uplift content quality, empower talent, and harness digital transformation to foster an innovative and forward-thinking Arab media landscape.

In his remarks, Al Hamed communicated greetings on behalf of the UAE’s leadership while applauding the vital role Arab media plays in enhancing awareness, disseminating values, and engaging with regional and global issues. He pointed out that media's responsibilities should extend beyond mere reporting, evolving into a catalyst for sustainable development and cultural identity.

He underscored the significance of the Arab Media Code of Honour as an ethical framework. This Code promotes principles of fairness, truth, and dignity in media contents while steering institutions towards responsible reporting. Recent updates to the Code reaffirm the necessity for Arab media to foster stability and unity instead of division.

Al Hamed also emphasized the increasing influence of digital media as a dominant platform for public engagement, which transcends geographical boundaries. He called for a cohesive Arab strategy that reconciles freedom of expression with responsible content, combats misinformation, and bolsters the Arab media’s competitive edge internationally.

The UAE official acknowledged the crucial role of the Arab Electronic Media Committee as a center for shared expertise, enabling proactive responses to digital challenges and long-term benefits. He highlighted the necessity for a united front against terrorism, advocating for collaborative messaging, resource sharing, and modern technological tools.

Al Hamed also addressed the need for training and equipping media professionals, emphasizing that excellence necessitates skills in research, analysis, and content creation. He advocated for the establishment of joint programs, fortified partnerships, and definitive performance benchmarks to cultivate a skilled and accountable Arab media workforce.

On the matter of emerging technologies, Al Hamed stated that while artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance media performance, human insight and judgment must remain central. He urged the responsible utilization of technology, ensuring ethical standards and transparency.

The UAE delegation included Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt; and Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Media Strategy and Policy Sector.

The 55th Council session discussed various pertinent topics such as the Palestinian cause, strategic media engagements abroad, environmental advocacy in media, professional training, and the integration of AI in media practices.

The UAE's election to the Executive Office solidifies its leadership role in shaping Arab media, promoting ethical principles, and fostering digital advancement in the region.